The drama " I became the main role of a BL drama, " starring actors Aran Abe and Nichika Akutsu , began streaming exclusively on the video streaming service "TELASA" from noon on June 13th. It is a sequel to the drama that became a hot topic last year as an all-too-pure cohabitation romantic comedy. We spoke to Abe and Akutsu, who will be reprising their roles, about the reaction to the previous series, how they felt when the sequel was decided, and what it was like on set.
◇ I had a feeling there would be a sequel. "It's finally here!"
The drama is a live-action adaptation of Suzurigai's popular BL (Boys' Love) manga. In the previous work, the most popular actor Akafuji Yuichiro (Abe) and Aoyanagi Hajime (Akutsu), a former popular child actor who is talented but now a lackluster actor, started living together to prepare for their roles and promote themselves, and eventually fell in love for real. They overcame numerous difficulties, including scandals and breaking up, and finally confessed their feelings to each other... In the sequel, Akafuji and Aoyanagi, who are now in love with each other, face new challenges.
--I heard that the previous work received quite a lot of attention.
Abe: When the staff told me, "The number of subscribers (on the distribution site) has increased so much!" I was genuinely surprised and happy.
Akutsu-san: You were also awarded an award!
Abe-san: Personally, I've been getting more followers on social media from overseas, especially from Southeast Asia and China, which made me really happy!
Akutsu: I was also happy when my family said it was good.
Abe: My family was laughing out loud too (laughs).
It's nice to make your family laugh.
Abe: Yes! When I appear in a romance film, I feel embarrassed so I try not to watch it with my family, but I was able to watch the previous film without worrying (laughs).
--What did you think when you heard that a sequel was being decided?
Akutsu-san: I was absolutely sure it would be decided, so I feel like it's finally here! (laughs)
Abe: That's right (laughs). I felt that the previous work was interesting even while filming, and I had a feeling that it could probably be made into a sequel. And thanks to the many people who watched it, we were able to make a sequel, and I'm very grateful.
--Were there any challenges because it's a sequel?
Abe: After all, we definitely have to make it more interesting than the previous work. You often hear people say that the first one is more interesting with various works (laughs). I think it will be difficult to break that jinx, but this work is one that I can confidently say is absolutely interesting!
Akutsu: I think it's more powerful than the previous film, with the visually impactful outfits and locations.
◇ Fully eager for “3” “I’m going to watch it more than the first one”
-Have you had any private interactions with each other since your last time working together?
Abe: We kept in touch via LINE!
Akutsu-san: We met on the street once. I didn't notice him at first, and then he suddenly called out "Ninai" to me. I thought, "What?" and it was Kenran-kun (laughs). We talked a little about the sequel then.
Abe: That's right. It was just around the time the sequel was decided!
--It seems like you have a mysterious connection. Did you feel any changes in each other after working together again?
Abe-san: It hasn't changed in a good way. I think that's a good thing (laughs).
Akutsu: I feel like it's the same as last time.
--Were you able to quickly return to the role?
Abe: That's right. When I read the script and concentrated, I could see the face of Ninai as Aoyagi, and I could hear her voice in my head, so it was easy to act.
--How did you feel facing this character again, someone you're so familiar with?
Abe: This time, there is a conflict because the two characters have become closer. When I was reading the script, I was impatient and thought, "I wish it was more like this!", but that's what makes it interesting.
Akutsu: They start dating, but then a new rival appears for each of them. They each have conflicts about whether to distance themselves or get closer. They get jealous over nothing so important, and chase after each other, and it really shows how much they love each other. The jealousy that comes from love is portrayed in a cute way, so I tried to act in a cute way.
-What are the points to pay attention to?
Abe: I'm interested in another couple, Kijima Joji, played by Watanabe Hide, and Murasaki Hiroomi, played by Ogoshi Yuki.
Akutsu-san: That's true. There are some scenes that are more adult than the characters we're playing!
--Finally, please give a message to your fans.
Akutsu-san: I think that this time too, the content will be enjoyable, so I hope that many people will watch it, spread the word, and spread the word so that this work will continue in the future! We worked hard on the filming, so please watch it a lot!
Abe: I was able to continue this film because so many people watched the previous film and it was well received, so I filmed it with that gratitude in my heart. It may be arrogant, but I would like to do a sequel again. Please watch it more than the previous one! Please!
The drama will have a total of six episodes, with the latest episode being released every Friday. (Interview, text and photography: Masaki Endo)
